Page 44 of The Scent of Seduction

A mewling sound caught Jaryn’s attention, and he looked back at his sons. Gavin’s eyes opened and his hand reached out. As if sensing his brother’s need, Kaden also woke up and stretched out towards Gavin. The tips of their fingers touched and Jaryn smiled. It was obvious that the twins were used to being in proximity and taking comfort in each other.

“Don’t worry, boys. We’ll be home soon, then you can get out of your carriers. But for now, you need to stay strapped in for your safety.”

Jaryn’s arms actually ached to hold them again. With their soft bodies tucked into his embrace, the absolute trust they had in him to protect and care for them was awe-inspiring. It was funny, but Jaryn would have sworn that the first time he held them, the lingering discomfort from Broyles’ attack had disappeared. Then again, it was probably the adrenaline coursing through him with the events of the night.

He looked out the window of the plane and saw the soft glow of dawn on the horizon. He was exhausted, but knew sleep would still be a long time in coming. Once they landed, the group would have to make the two and half hour drive north to Stonepass. They’d make it to town right in time for breakfast.

The captain announced everyone needed to be secured in their seats for final approach. Jaryn moved over to a club chair and buckled himself in. He glanced over at the boys, who once again had settled back to sleep. He tilted his head back and closed his eyes. Maybe he could grab a few winks before the plane came to a stop.

Jaryn pulled up to his and Nicole’s home and looked at the log, timber and stone Adirondack structure he’d designed. He shook his head slightly.

“What?” Shaun asked, in the passenger seat beside Jaryn.

“I never would have predicted that in a matter of months, my life would change so drastically.” He nodded towards his house. “Inside is my mate, who undoubtedly has a lot of questions as to why she changed into a wolf while I was gone, and,”—he looked in the backseat—“now I’m bringing home two sons.”

“It’s going to take some adjustment, but I know you, Jaryn. You’ll make it work.”

Jaryn looked over at his Beta and best friend. “Thanks.”

Shaun nodded. “You ready?”

“Whether or not I am, there’s no stalling now.”

Cooper stood on the front porch, waiting for them. Jaryn watched as Cooper jogged towards them and came up to the driver’s side window. Jaryn pushed the button and rolled down the glass. The car immediately filled with the cold air from outside and he looked behind him to see if the boys were okay.

“Nicole needs you. Go on inside and I’ll help Shaun with the new arrivals.”

Jaryn looked over at Shaun, who made a motion to shoo him off. “Go on, we’ve got things covered here.”

Jaryn climbed out of the Jeep and ran towards the front door. He’d kept the pathway to the cars as clear as possible before he left, and as such, he literally ran through a corridor of snow that came up to his hips. However, his feet sank into the near foot of freshly fallen snow that had blanketed the pack lands since his departure a couple of days before. Wetness soaked his trousers above where he had tucked them into his boots, but he didn't care. His mate needed him.

Jaryn opened the front door and looked around the living room. Sitting beside the fireplace was a wolf. He skidded to a halt and slowly approached the animal. He knew instantly that it was his mate.

“Oh baby, you’re so beautiful.” He fell to his knees and wrapped his arms around her neck. Nicole whimpered. Her paws pranced on the floor and her tongue sneaked out to lick him. Jaryn leaned back and rubbed his hands over her head. His mate’s fur was a dark reddish brown, and her face was black, which made her forest green eyes stand out all that much more.

“Did you do this to surprise me, baby? Don’t get me wrong, I love seeing your wolf, but I’d really like to kiss my mate right now.”

“I don’t know how to change back, Jaryn. I’ve tried and tried all night.”

Nicole’s wolf frame trembled under his fingers and he scented her fear. “It’s okay. I’ll help you. I’m so sorry I wasn’t here.”

“Why did this happen? You said I wouldn’t change when we became mates.”

Even through their link, Jaryn detected Nicole’s hurt. She thought he’d lied to her. He quickly petted her to calm her nerves.

“It’s not from our mating, Nic. Broyles did this to you.” He let out a long sigh. “He did a lot of things to you, and I suspect they all took place during those gaps in your memory. But don’t worry. We’ll get through everything together. I promise.”

“The scar. It has something to do with my scar, doesn’t it?”

“Yes. Now, what do you say we get you back into your more familiar skin?”

“Please. I have this unrelenting urge to go chase down and snack on a furry woodland creature. That’s just… eww!”

Jaryn laughed so hard tears came to his eyes and he landed on his side on the rug beside Nicole.

“Glad to see I amuse you.”

He sobered and wiped the moisture from his eyes. “Don’t worry, baby. You’ll get used to it. In fact, in time, you’ll come to love chasing things down. We’ll run under the moon together, and I can’t wait to hear your howl echo along with the rest of the pack.”

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